SunRail to start operations on May 1

SunRail to start operations on May 1

COLLEGE PARK — Mark Calvert knows his job in the next few months: to generate as much interest as possible in SunRail.

“It’s important that everyone really embrace SunRail from day one,” he said.

Calvert, the CEO of Evolve Design Group, has been showcasing the communications and marketing plans designed to support SunRail, the commuter rail line that will begin operating in Central Florida in May. On Thursday, Jan. 30, Calvert took part in a SunRail Update program sponsored by Rollins College, and held at the Alfond Inn in downtown Winter Park. The trains will have stops in Maitland and Winter Park, then continue to Florida Hospital at the entrance to College Park, and three other stops in downtown Orlando.

“Before you know it, SunRail will be here, and that’s why we’re gathered here today – to make sure we’re ready,” said Rick Foglesong, a professor of politics at Rollins College and the moderator of the program.

“I can’t wait until May 1, the first formal date that we can buy tickets and be on board,” said Winter Park Mayor Ken Bradley.

Now that the trains are getting close to operating, Calvert said, supporters of the rail system are doing everything possible to encourage ridership – and make the system a success.

“SunRail is a commuting alternative to your daily drive,” he said.

Once the trains start running, “We are operational Monday through Friday,” Calvert said, with peak service every 30 minutes from 5:30-8:30 a.m., and then again from 4-7 p.m. Off-peak service will run every two hours until midnight.

“All of our trains are double-decked, very comfortable, very spacious,” Calvert said. “Stations do not have restrooms. Restrooms are on the trains.”

There will also be free wi-fi service on the trains, he said, and “In all of our suburban stations we offer free parking.”

Riders can also log on to SunRail.com to get information from a list of discounts that they can take advantage of.

“Your base fare is $2,” Calvert said. “There will be a $1 surcharge every time you cross over county lines.” Next month also marks some important dates. “On March 1, that’s the first time that consumers can purchase tickets online,” Calvert said.

SunRail will also have a grand opening ceremony for the station on Morse Boulevard in Winter Park on March 3, and a grand opening for the Maitland station on April 11. The grand opening date for the Florida Hospital station hasn’t been determined yet.

Bruce Stephenson, professor of Environment Studies Environmental Studies and Civic Urbanism at the Hamilton Holt Program at Rollins College, predicted SunRail would appeal to area commuters fed up with being in their car – and looking for a safer way to get to work.

“Taking SunRail, your chance of dying is one-twentieth of what it is when you’re driving,” he said. “We know SunRail is going to change our methods of transportation.”

But to ensure they do find SunRail appealing, Courtney Miller noted, the Florida Department of Transportation is working to make sure riders understand that once they get to their station, they have options to move on to their final destination.

“Connectivity – this is the hot button phrase right now,” said Miller, the program manager for reThink, a service of FDOT to help connect SunRail riders to their next stop.

“What we found from our surveys is 90 percent of our people are driving to work, and not just driving to work but driving alone,” she said. SunRail gives them a better option, Miller added, which is why SunRail is pursuing everything from bike paths to Lynx bus connections to a new short term car rental program through Hertz.

FDOT even has an Emergency Ride Home program, she added.

“Say you’ve gone to work and now you feel sick, and need to get home,” she said. “This is about peace of mind. We will reimburse you for the cost of your trip home – whether it is a taxi, or a rental car, or the gas mileage for a friend driving you home. We will reimburse you up to four times a year, to $150 for each request.”